Athletes
Alex Pereira: The Journey Continues
UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Alex Pereira Is Set To Defend His Title For The Third Time In 2024 This Saturday Against Khalil Rountree Jr. At UFC 307 in Salt Lake City, Utah
There’s no one quite like UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira.
Sure, there are other massive stars and fighters who’ve won titles in two weight classes, but when you put it all together - talent, personality, activity, highlight-reel finishes - Pereira has it all.
Order UFC 307: Pereira vs Rountree Jr.
The 37-year-old entered the UFC in 2021 with just a 3-1 professional mixed martial arts record. In less than three years, he’s scored six knockouts, earned four Performance of the Night bonuses, captured the UFC middleweight and light heavyweight titles, defending the latter twice in less than three months.
“It has to do with the work we've been doing and the way I act inside and outside the Octagon,” Pereira said of his growing fandom. “There's also the Stone Face meme. So, I believe that each thing makes it increase. Some might not like one aspect, but they appreciate another, which ultimately broadens my audience, and it's really cool.”
Recently, Pereira’s life outside the Octagon has been a striking contrast to his demeanor when the cage door shuts. From diving into TikTok trends to crafting his own memes, he’s fully embracing life as a champion and celebrating everyone who’s contributed to his rapid rise. Yet, amidst the lighthearted moments, Pereira remains grounded in his roots.
Before heading to Salt Lake City for the final stages of fight camp, he made a trip back to his hometown in São Paulo, Brazil, where he delivered food to those in need. The beautiful moment was captured on UFC 307 Countdown.
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“We did a fantastic job a month ago in Brazil,” Pereira said. “I think some might assume that donations are just for show, just to show everyone that I'm helping. But I've always done that. But what I did last time was nothing compared to what I've done in my life. I helped people even when I couldn't. But we wanted to show and share the program. I’ve had individuals reach out, saying they were inspired by it and started taking action themselves. Some people sent me emails to make a donation. They contributed anonymously to our online crowdfunding. So, these people donated money. We're motivating others to do that and help those in need, and I feel great about it.”
Alex Pereira | Top Finishes
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Alex Pereira | Top Finishes
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Pereira returns to the Octagon this Saturday to headline his third event of 2024. “Poatan” puts his belt on the line against No. 8 ranked light heavyweight contender Khalil Rountree Jr. A victory would not only place him in elite company as the seventh fighter in UFC history to successfully defend a title three times in a calendar year, but he’d also become the fastest to achieve this feat, defending his title three times in just 175 days.
When it comes to records, Pereira tries not to fixate on accolades. While he takes pride in his accomplishments and his team, he believes that if everything is going smoothly for him now, staying on course is the best way to ensure continued success.
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He hopes to continue that success this Saturday against Rountree, who many were surprised to see in this position given his ranking. However, Pereira recognizes this is no easy fight, even if he’s beaten five former champions and finished four of them in his last seven fights.
“It's a dangerous fight; everyone knows what he's capable of, but it's a fight that closely resembles my style,” Pereira said. “He's an aggressive fighter, and I prefer facing someone aggressive rather than a more timid opponent. For me, that's beneficial. I’ve analyzed some of his techniques. That's basically it.”
To prepare for his latest challenge, Pereira’s called on past opponents, including former UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland and UFC middleweight César Almeida, who Pereira defeated during his illustrious kickboxing career in 2015.
MORE UFC 307: Coach Conversation: Pereira vs Rountree Jr. | Fighters On The Rise
“Well, I’ve always said that I know they’re quality people,” Pereira said. “[César Almeida] is a fantastic guy with great energy and excellent technical skills. We’ve been training together, and he helps me a lot. We've talked, and he said that things are going great for him. Coming here early has been truly beneficial to him due to the altitude. In the training sessions, he sees how much he is evolving. We're both evolving together. And I believe there’s no downside to that. Some prefer to keep rivalry in the fight, they take it personally, but I end up losing something important. I’d rather keep calm and maximize my opportunities.”
It's not often you find a champion who competes so frequently and consistently delivers electrifying performances every time he steps into the Octagon. So, sit back and enjoy what’s sure to be another epic night in Salt Lake City. Chama.
UFC 307: Pereira vs Rountree Jr., took place live from Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah on October 5, 2024. See the final Prelim & Main Card Results, Official Scorecards and Who Won Bonuses - and relive the action on UFC FIGHT PASS!
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